In 1851, 12-year-old orphan Austin Ives joins a wagon train headed for California. As he makes his way across the country, Austin writes home to his brother Levi, describing life on the rugged Overland Trail. Extensively researched, with episodes based on true incidents, "the epistolary format and character development offer solid reading."—Booklist
An IRA Teachers' Choice
From the Publisher
"Woodruff presents a bounty of information in a format that will be especially valued as a classroom readaloud."—Bulletin, Center for Children's Books.
Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
This epistolary novel, about a boy on a wagon train in 1851, was inspired by pioneer diaries. Ages 10-13. (Feb.)
School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-Austin Ives, 12, heads West in 1851 with a wagon train and writes letters to his younger brother, who remains in Pennsylvania. An orphan, Austin is traveling with the Morrison family and plans to settle on the Oregon land his father claimed before he died. The book's epistolary form makes exposition somewhat awkward and doesn't allow for much sustaining of mood. Still, the boy's voice rings true as he describes his adventures and draws the characters of the Morrisons; his friends, boaster Hiram and abused Frank; and the colorful trail cook, Reuben, who wears a coat covered with buttons from all the folks he's met in his travels. Woodruff doesn't spare the real sorrows of pioneer journeys-illness, death, lack of water, fights between travelers, and the threat of hostile Indians. Austin's final difficulties are resolved a bit too easily, but readers will enjoy the happy ending. This tale, with its occasional pencil illustrations and short chapters, would make a good classroom read-aloud.-Sally Bates Goodroe, Houston Public Library
